GOP launches campaign pushing Democrats for Menendez ouster

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The start of Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez's federal corruption trial Wednesday has hung a question mark on the future of his Senate seat, and national Republicans have already begun pushing for his ouster if he's convicted.

The Republican National Committee rolled out a campaign this week aimed at pressuring Democratic senators to call on Menendez to step down if he's convicted.

The campaign includes a Snapchat filter available near the courthouse that has a banner saying "Bye Bye Bob Menendez" as well as an airplane, an apparent reference to what prosecutors say was the senator's acceptance of lavish trips to the Caribbean and Paris in return for helping Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen with lobbying.